How much do emergency plumbers cost?Avg. range: $215-$665
By Thumbtack Staff•Last updated Jul 8, 2026
Last updated Jul 8, 2026
The average national cost of emergency plumbing services is $215-$655, and most people pay $377, according to Thumbtack data. The cost of hiring an emergency plumber generally depends on the specific issue and complexity of the repair. Note that the plumber’s costs will be minimal compared with the expense of repairing water-damaged floors, ceilings, etc.
Emergency plumber cost
| National average cost range | $215-$655 |
|---|---|
| Low-end cost | $95 |
| High-end cost | $1,516 |
A homeowner’s worst nightmare is the sound of a gushing toilet, the discoloration of a waterlogged ceiling or the sight of a flooded basement. Whether the result of a natural disaster or a burst pipe, an emergency plumbing situation can be frightening—because of both the danger of standing water and the cost of cleaning up a flood. The least of the homeowner’s worries should be finding an emergency plumber. Many plumbers are on call every day, day and night, and are available immediately in an emergency situation; they know that, with thousands of dollars in potential water damage at stake, a speedy response is essential.
Emergency plumber hourly rates
| National average cost range | $90-$147/per hour |
|---|---|
| Average hourly rate | $125/hour |
| Low-end rates | $50/hour |
| High-end rates | $225/hour |
On a national level, plumbers charge an average hourly fee that ranges from $90-$147 per hour, according to Thumbtack data. A typical job may cost as little as $50 per hour or as much as $225 an hour.
Middle-of-the-night calls cost significantly more per hour than jobs done during regular business hours, sometimes double the hourly fee. If the job is particularly small, such as a quick drain clean out, the plumber may charge a flat fee. For example, High End Home Services’ fee for cleaning a drain with a snake starts at $89.
Emergency plumber services
Emergency plumbers, such as High End Home Services in Largo, Florida, New England Plumbing in Miami, Florida, or Superior Sewer & Drainage in Cicero, Illinois, offer a variety of emergency services, including drain cleaning, pressurized water jetting, rodding main sewer and sink lines, replacing sewage and sump pumps, and more.
Does insurance cover plumbing emergencies?
Some emergency situations, such as burst pipes, will be covered by homeowner’s insurance, which may decrease the cost. However, homeowners should carefully weigh the out-of-pocket expenses of hiring an emergency plumber against the cost of their deductible and the impact it may have on their overall insurance costs in the future.
Do plumbers have to be licensed?
Although not all cities require plumbers to hold a license, homeowners should only hire licensed plumbers whenever possible. Licensing requires passing an exam that proves plumbing expertise.
*A note about project costs featured in this article: Figures represent national average cost estimates using data provided by Thumbtack pros and additional research. These figures are provided for educational purposes only and are subject to change at any time due to various factors. Details about your specific project and local rates can impact costs.
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